District 93 moving forward with dual-language program

Carol Stream Elementary District 93 is moving forward with plans to implement an optional dual-language program.

The course would start next year as an option for kindergartners at Roy De Shane Elementary School.

The voluntary program would provide instruction in both Spanish and English and be open to English-speaking students and English language learners,

Plans call for expanding it each year to another grade level.

Officials say implementing the dual-language program will require little additional money because they already have many of the necessary resources, including the staff.

Superintendent Bill Shields said all district families with kindergartners would be able to sign their youngsters up during the first year, but Roy De Shane families would receive priority treatment.

Most school board members supported the proposal during a Thursday discussion, but some had concerns.

Sean McQuade said he likes the idea but thinks the district should wait a year to implement it.

Still, he said he did not want his concerns to stop the district from moving forward.

"I'd hate to see anyone lose an opportunity just because I personally think it should be shelved for one year," McQuade said.

Shields said the district's next step is to get community input.

"We certainly have to have parent meetings," Shields said. "If there's not parent feedback that they want to have the program, the program's not going anywhere. We're not going to force this on anybody."